Editor’s Note: Above image courtesy of and provided by the UMHB Athletics Department.
The UMHB athletics commitment tracker is presented by Sacrifice Training, an athletic performance facility founded by All-American running back, UMHB alum and former pro football player Bryson Tucker in 2012. Sacrifice Training delivers premium results to athletes of all ages looking to elevate their skill sets.
BELTON, Texas- Recruiting never takes a day off, as any coach will tell you, and this is the only place that you will find the most up-to-date UMHB recruiting information and the latest athletes who have “committed” to join the Cru. Our commitment tracker covers the athletes that have “committed” to join the Cru as well as those who “decommit” from UMHB, allowing you to stay engaged with the future of Crusader athletics.
It is important to note that at the division three level, athletes do not sign “Letters of Intent” but do confirm their commitments to the school of their choice in a celebratory signing ceremony.
We would like to thank Sacrifice Training for their constant support of our coverage and for sponsoring this commitment tracker. Athletes of all ages choose Sacrifice Training, elevating their level of fitness and athleticism. Founded by Cru football alum Bryson Tucker, Sacrifice Training has successfully helped numerous high school and college athletes reach the next level, including Atlanta Falcons DT Ta’Quon Graham and former UMHB QB and current XFL receiver Blake Jackson. Learn more about Sacrifice Training today: https://sacrificetraining.com/
Make sure to check back periodically, as this article will be updated with the latest UMHB commits and decommits. For prior commits in the Class of 2021 and Class of 2022, go to our archive page here.
Ella Hartmann
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Hometown/High School: Fredericksburg, Texas/Fredericksburg HS
Commitment Date: May 2, 2023
Hartmann was the District 27-4A MVP as a senior and scored 2,000+ points in her high school career at Fredericksburg. A TGCA Legacy All-Star selection in April, Hartmann established herself as one of Central Texas’ best long-range shooters, with an exceptional three-point shooting ability. She guided Fredericksburg to a 34-5 record this past season as the Lady Billies won four playoff games.
Cameron Talburt
Sport: Baseball
Hometown/High School: Tulsa, OK/Metro Christian HS
TRANSFER from: Eastern Oklahoma State College
Commitment Date: June 3, 2023
For the third time in the last week, UMHB baseball secured an impactful junior college Eastern Oklahoma State’s Cameron Talburt announced his decision to join the Cru on Saturday, following a strong sophomore campaign this past spring.
An outfielder from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Talburt played in 41 games in 2023, hitting .280 with 19 runs batted in. He had a pair of home runs amidst 37 hits and added 10 doubles. A good eye at the plate also yielded 23 walks for the sophomore.
His speed on the basepaths was evident as well, as Talburt stole 16 bases for a team that ranked 11th in the NJCAA in stolen bases, with 153. As mentioned with UMHB’s two previous JUCO commits this week, the Crusaders led the ASC in stolen bases this past season and tend to be aggressive on the basepaths, so Talburt should fit in well from that standpoint.
Jayden Chatman
Sport: Baseball
Hometown/High School: Flower Mound, Texas/Flower Mound HS
TRANSFER from: Frank Phillips College (JUCO)
Commitment Date: June 2, 2023
Weston Dean
Sport: Baseball
Hometown/High School: Montgomery, Texas/Montgomery HS
TRANSFER from: Angelina College (JUCO)
Commitment Date: May 31, 2023
Chloee Mason
Sport: Softball
Hometown/High School: Joaquin, Texas/Joaquin HS
TRANSFER: from Blinn College (JUCO)
A right-handed pitcher, Mason has a chance to make an early impact with the Cru after tossing 123.1 innings with a 2.78 ERA this past spring. She struck out 83 batters, walked 40, and started 21 games for the Buccaneers. According to an Austin County News article written in April, Mason “has found success with a pitch selection that includes baffling breaking balls and swing-and-miss off-speed offerings.”
Madeline Stephenson
Sport: Softball
Hometown/High School: Orange, Texas/Little Cypress-Mauriceville HS
TRANSFER: from Blinn College (JUCO)
Stephenson was a consistent force for Blinn at the plate in 50 games this past spring, hitting .254 with 18 RBIs, six doubles, and nine stolen bases. She was one of four players on the roster who played in all 50 of Blinn’s games, and contributed to the Buccaneers’ 28 wins with a fielding percentage of .955, turning a team-high eight double plays.
Easton Cline
Sport: Baseball
Hometown/High School: Mesa, Arizona/Red Mountain HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Nov. 8, 2022
Cline is a middle infielder with tremendous upside who hit .253 in 29 games this past spring as a senior. He had 11 RBIs, four doubles, and 18 runs scored while posting a fielding percentage of .912 with 29 putouts and 54 assists. He also stole seven bases. Cline drives the ball with an upward trajectory and has solid timing at the plate, especially on breaking balls.
Rueben Ethan Frye
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Corsicana, Texas/Mildred HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: March 9, 2023
Frye is a 5’10, 165 lb RB who possesses an outstanding downhill rushing ability, having carried Mildred’s offense this past fall. He rushed for 1,678 yards on 272 carries in nine games for the Eagles, averaging 186.4 yards per game. Frye scored 15 times and also finished the year as an Academic All-State selection. He also held an offer from Southwestern.
Evan O’Grady
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Georgetown, Texas/Homeschool
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: March 29, 2023
O’Grady is a strong athlete from nearby Georgetown who has tremendous athleticism and speed, allowing him to play either side of the ball. Primarily a quarterback/receiver on offense, and a safety on defense, O’Grady played for the Austin Royals as a senior in 2022. In an Oct. 8 68-19 win over FEAST Homeschool this past fall, he completed 6-of-9 passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns, and added 113 rushing yards on just eight carries.
Ozias Wright
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Killeen, Texas/Shoemaker HS
TRANSFER: from Sul Ross State (D3)
Commitment Date: Announced on April 29, 2023
Read our full article on Wright’s transfer here: https://truetothecru.com/2023/04/29/transfer-news-srsu-leading-rusher-two-time-all-asc-rb-ozias-wright-transferring-to-umhb/
TJ Rone
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Houston, Texas/Lamar HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: April 21, 2023
A 5’8 receiver, Rone is incredibly quick and a top-level route runner. He caught 23 passes for 450 yards and four touchdowns this past fall. A true playmaker on offense, Rone also held offers from North American University (NAIA) and Southwestern (D3).
Kevaughn Rogers
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: China Spring, Texas/China Spring HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: April 20, 2023
Rogers, a talented receiver, helped China Spring to its second straight state title this past fall, as the Cougars went 15-1, beating Boerne 24-21 in the UIL 4A Div. I state championship game. Rogers had a 29-yard reception in the win, and played a key role in China Spring’s passing attack throughout the season. He’s a proven winner who will excel in Belton. Also had offers from SAGU (NAIA), Texas Lutheran (D3), ETBU (D3), MidAmerica Nazarene (NAIA), and Hardin-Simmons (D3).
Montrell Mitchell
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Cypress, Texas/Cypress Park HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: April 20, 2023
A standout who played both sides of the ball at Cypress Park, Mitchell was both a defensive back and receiver, and played both positions at a high level. Mitchell had 17 solo tackles and two interceptions as a senior in 2022, and was named Honorable Mention All-District 16-6A following the season. He was offered by UMHB on March 7.
Jake Zapata
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Eagle Pass, Texas/Eagle Pass HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: April 18, 2023
Previously an Ottawa University commit, Zapata is a 6’0, 180 lb safety who reads opposing quarterbacks well, as evidenced by his footwork in pass coverage, and just reacts the right way in split-second moments. Multiple times over his final two high school seasons, Zapata came up with an interception off of a tipped pass, or broke up what seemed to be a near-certain completion due to his innate ability to make contact with the ball before it gets to the opposing receiver. Also had offers from Wayland Baptist (NAIA) and Graceland (NAIA), amongst others.
Dillan Botts
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School:Cypress, Texas/Bridgeland HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: April 17, 2023
A 6’2, 270 lb defensive tackle who anchored Bridgeland’s defensive front this past fall, Botts is a force to be reckoned with. He is quick enough to get around opposing offensive linemen, but yet strong enough to bottle up an opposing running back before he gets to the open field. Botts tallied 17 tackles and a sack in 2022. Notably, he was recently named one of six Houston-area athletes to receive a $10,000 scholarship presented by the Houston Texans and Reliant Energy for excellence on the field and in the classroom. Also was offered by South Dakota School of Mines (D2), Chadron State (D2), UTPB (D2), and Southwestern Oklahoma State (D2).
Elijah Mankins
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Midlothian, Texas/Midlothian Heritage HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: April 12, 2023
Mankins, Midlothian Heritage’s starting left guard, ended his high school career as a 2nd Team All-State selection as well as a 1st Team All-District selection, having helped his team to a 7-0 district record this past fall. He also held offers from MidAmerican Nazarene (NAIA), and Waldorf Univeristy (NAIA).
Solomon Hopkins
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Midlothian, Texas/Midlothian Heritage HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: April 13, 2023
An outstanding defensive back for a highly-rated Midlothian Heritage team, Hopkins was mentioned by Lone Star Preps as one of the top safeties in Texas in the Class of 2023, and was voted First-Team All-State by the Padilla Poll and Honorable Mention All-State by the Texas Sportswriters Association. His 2022 numbers were incredible: 113 tackles, four interceptions, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Hopkins also had offers from Oklahoma Baptist (D2), SAGU (NAIA), and McPherson College (NAIA), amongst others.
Caleb Durham-Honer (TRANSFER)
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School/Prev. College: San Antonio, Texas/San Antonio Christian HS/Texas Tech (D1), Samford (D1)
Commitment Date: April 4, 2023
Durham-Honer made his commitment official in a Twitter post early in April, making him the first known D1-to-D3 transfer in UMHB’s current recruiting class. A 5-foot, 10-inch wide receiver who earned multiple All-District honors on both sides of the ball in high school, he spent two years on the roster at Texas Tech before transferring to Samford. At Samford, an FCS program, he saw action in three games in 2022 after seeing no game action in 2021. He comes to Belton still looking to have an impact within a collegiate offense, having not yet tallied a collegiate reception. His speed and IQ could make him an impact transfer for the Cru in 2023.
Jayme Dowell (TRANSFER)
Sport: Women’s Soccer
Hometown/High School/Prev. College: Longview, Texas/Spring Hill HS/Central Oklahoma (D2)
Commitment Date: April 14, 2023
Dowell transfers in after seeing action in 19 games this past fall for Central Oklahoma as a freshman midfielder, having taken 13 shots with three on goal. A high school standout offensively, Dowel tallied 92 goals and 64 assists at Spring Hill, and overall, knows how to move the offense well. Her presence could aid the Cru greatly after losing a number of talented senior forwards and midfielders following the 2022 campaign.
Kory Garcia
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: San Antonio, Texas/Cornerstone Christian School
Commitment Date: March 6, 2023
HS Class of: 2023
Primarily a long snapper, Garcia stands at 6’0, weighing 230 lbs, and has remarkable accuracy when it comes to his snaps. “His starting form is very good, and when he gets set, Garcia simply does not miss,” said Chris Rubio’s player review on Garcia following the Rubio Long Snapping Spring Camp on March 5. This is a major addition to UMHB’s incoming class as Garcia was awarded invites to multiple national all-star events following his senior season.
Thomas Langrum
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: North Richland Hills, Texas/Richland HS
Commitment Date: April 11, 2023
HS Class of: 2023
A strong athlete who is versatile, Langrum is a solid pick-up for the Cru in this recruiting class. At 6-foot, 175 lbs, he displayed exceptional route running when lined up as a slot WR this past season and his above-average speed (4.6 40 yd dash) is an added plus to his skill set. Defensively, he navigates through blocks well and finds his way to the ballcarrier in run defense, while demonstrating great awareness when in pass coverage. Lots of pass breakups came his way this past fall as he helped Richland to an 8-3 record. Also had previous offers from Georgetown (FCS), Southwestern, and Beloit College.
Hayden Tanner
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Nevada, Texas/Community HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: February 9, 2023
Tanner was both a first-team all-district tight end and outside linebacker at Community HS, catching 18 passes for 320 yards along with making 12 solo tackles and 17 total tackles during his senior year. Versatile, strong, and quick, Tanner was a key part of Community’s varsity program for the last several seasons. He picked up offers from Sul Ross State and ETBU, both in the ASC along with UMHB.
Nate Western
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: San Antonio, Texas/ Wagner HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: February 3, 2023
Western, a 6’3, 215 lb linebacker and athlete, certainly has the athleticism and size necessary to make a major impact on the Crusader defense. He picked up offers from Hardin-Simmons and Tyler Junior College in addition to the one he received from UMHB. With versatility to play pretty much anywhere on the defense, Western was a key part of Wagner’s 5-2 district record this past fall. He tallied 46 solo tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and five forced fumbles. Really impressive player all the way around.
Miguel Perla
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Mesquite, Texas/Mesquite HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 27, 2023
Perla, a talented offensive lineman standing at 6’0, 285 lbs, greatly aided Mesquite’s rushing attack, playing on the varsity level since 2020 (according to Hudl). He has a strong first step, and makes contact early with the opposing defender, leading to key blocks for the running back. Perla was recruited by ASC foes ETBU, and Texas Lutheran, in addition to offers from Centenary (La.) and Wisconsin Lutheran.
Keiran Phounsavath
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Royse City, Texas/Royse City HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 25, 2023
A noseguard and defensive end for Royse City, Phounsavath tallied 48 total tackles, 30 of which were solo, during his senior season in 2022. He added 5.0 tackles for loss and is exceptional in getting into the backfield, putting pressure on the opposing quarterback through the middle of the offensive line. That forces the quarterback to go right or left, which leads to scrambling outside the pocket and often, incompletions. He was also offered by Howard Payne, Culver-Stockton, ETBU, and Sul Ross State.
Isaac McCrumby
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Garrison, Texas/Garrison High School
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 24, 2023
McCrumby was a First Team All-District WR this past fall and a Second Team All-District defensive back as a senior in District 22-2A. He tallied 20 receptions for 479 yards and seven touchdowns on offense, while adding 31 tackles in 10 games on the defensive side of the ball. He also returned kickoffs for Garrison, with 176 return yards in 2022. McCrumby also held offers from McMurry (ASC), Millsaps, Westminster College, Wayland Baptist, Texas Lutheran (ASC), and others.
Guy Powell
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Bangs, Texas/Bangs High School
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 24, 2023
A 5’7, 170 lb running back/athlete out of Bangs, Powell runs a 4.40 40-yard dash and has been clocked at 10.73 in the 100-meter dash. A natural speedster, Powell was a First Team All-District selection as a senior, carrying the ball 211 times for 2,040 yards and 25 touchdowns this past fall. He tallied 11 100-yard rushing performances, and had eight receptions with four receiving touchdowns as well. As a free safety, he was just as spectacular, with 105 solo tackles during the 2022 season, and recovered two fumbles. Powell was also offered by Rocky Mountain College and Eastern New Mexico.
Luke Smith
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Crosby, Texas/Crosby HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 23, 2023
A slot receiver, Smith caught 39 receptions for 559 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per catch this past fall. At 5’7, 155 lbs, Smith’s speed is exceptional and played a role in helping Crosby reach the 5A state semifinals in 2021, as Smith had 350 receiving yards that season.The one route that allowed him to get past defenses time and time again was a screen pass from the outside that saw Smith cut back before turning upfield, creating space between him and opposing defensive backs. He was offered by UMHB on Jan.16 and also held an offer from D-III heavyweight Mount Union,
Joshua Kurtenbach
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Denison, Texas/Denison HS
Class Of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 23, 2023
Kurtebach is incredibly versatile, having played quarterback, safety, wide receiver, and linebacker at points in his prep career at Denison HS, though he focused on quarterback in 2022. This past fall, Kurtenback carried the ball 101 times for 542 yards and eight scores, adding 10 toucdhowns through the air. He completed 103-of-156 passes for 1,419 yards. His first offer came from Hendrix College in August of 2022, and he also had an offer from UMHB, visiting campus on Jan. 21. He committed just two days later to The Cru. Also notable, Kurtenbach is currently ranked 13th in his senior class of 288 with a 4.63 GPA.
Albert Williams
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Spring, Texas/Spring hS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 22, 2023
A three-sport athlete who is currently averaging 6.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in basketball, Williams’ athleticism is notable. At 6’4, 195 lbs, he was a matchup problem for opposing defensive backs in high school, and will likely be a matchup problem for UMHB’s opponents once he sees action in Belton, due to his combined size and athleticism. This past season, he had 564 receiving yards for Spring on 36 receptions, along with 296 rushing yards on 32 carries. He also completed 16-of-33 passes, tossing a pair of touchdowns. He also had an offer from Texas Wesleyan and D-I FCS Austin Peay State.
CJ Irving
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: San Antonio, Texas/Veterans Memorial HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 21, 2023
A pro-style quarterback, some have said Irving is one of, if not the, most agile quarterbacks to come out of the San Antonio area this year. His speed combined with his arm strength to throw the ball deep allows him to challenge opposing defenses in a number of ways. He was selected as District 13-5A First-Team QB this past fall, and was selected to the San Antonio Sports All-Star Game, played in the Alamodome. Irving had interest from D-I programs, and picked up offers from Sul Ross State and Hardin-Simmons, amongst others.
Gage Ellis
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Fort Wort, Texas/Boswell HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 19, 2023
A skilled running back and wide receiver, Ellis has a smaller frame at 5’8, 155 lbs, but more than makes up for it with his speed. Often the slot receiver in Boswell’s 4 WR sets, Ellis has unmatched speed, often outdistancing the opposing defensive back within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage. He has great hands and showed an ability to catch the ball in traffic multiple times this past fall for Boswell, with 43 receptions, 721 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. He was offered by UMHB on Dec, 15, 2022.
Jonathan Martin Jr.
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Beaumont, Texas/Beaumont United HS
Class of: 2023
Committment Date: Jan. 18, 2023
Martin, a quarterback/athlete, can do a little bit of everything on the field, and notable chose UMHB over another D-III power, Mount Union, amongst other offers. As a quarterback, he has a solid arm with confidence in the pocket, and completed 32 of 71 passing attempts in six games for Beaumont United this past year (according to MaxPreps). His longest completion went for 80 yards. A top-level athlete, he showed his ability to run with the ball in his hands as well, tallying 272 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Martin was offered by UMHB on Aug. 18, 2022.
Sophia Read—DECOMMITTED, COMMITTED TO CONCORDIA (TX)
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Hometown/High School: Lago Vista, Texas/Lago Vista HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment (Announced) Date: Jan. 17, 2023
Read has been a key force for Lago Vista through her senior season, playing in 25 games while averaging 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per contest. A shooting guard/point guard, she started at point guard as a freshman, thanks to her ability to make clean passes with good timing, in addition to her scoring ability. She sees the floor well and based on film, is equally impactful on both ends of the floor, as a great defender in addition to her offensive success.
Nathan Prehar
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Dripping Springs, Texas/Dripping Springs HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 17, 2023
A 6’2, 245 lb defensive end for one of the top 6A programs in Central Texas, Prehar is a force to be reckoned with at the line of scrimmage. In 12 games during his senior year, he tallied 38 total tackles, 10 solo, and 4.0 tackles for loss while putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks throughout the season. Prehar was part of a Dripping Springs team that went 12-2 this past year, winning three playoff games in the process. He visited UMHB on Jan. 16.
Helijah Johnson
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School:Fischer, Texas/Canyon Lake HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 17, 2023
A San Antonio Sports All-Star Game selection, Johnson has speed but runs downhill as well, a good combination for a running back. His 40-yard dash has been timed at 4.6 seconds, and also tallied several yards after contact for Canyon Lake this past season. He averaged 90 rushing yards per game finishing with six touchdowns on 85 carries and 543 total yards. He also demonstrated good hands out of the backfield, catching 12 passes for 183 yards. Johnson was offered by UMHB on Dec. 13, 2022.
Ryan Anderson
Sport: Cross Country
Hometown/High School: The Woodlands, Texas/College Park HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Nov. 14, 2022
Anderson is a fantastic addition for head coach Alex Aldaco’s men’s cross country squad, which has been seeking to gain traction over the last several years as the relatively new program develops. Anderson was a key member of College Park’s program, as a two-time team regional qualifier, 6A State Championships team qualifier, and also ran on the team that placed third at the 2022 Nike South Regional. His top 5K time of the year came on Oct. 1, when he ran a 16:02.1 at the Nike South Invitational (though cross country typically is more reliant on place than time, considering each course is different). Anderson has consistently improved his times across the board from season-to-season, going back to his freshman year in 2019, which is a very good indication of his continued progression entering the collegiate ranks.
Marcus Taylor II
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Buda, Texas/Hays HS
Class of: 2022 (TRANSFER)
Commitment Date: Jan. 5, 2023
Taylor is the third known transfer UMHB has added to its roster for the 2023 season, as Taylor comes from Widener University, a D-III program in Chester, Pennsylvania. A defensive back, Taylor saw significant action as a true freshman in 2022, playing six games with 16 solo tackles, and 18 total tackles. He added two interceptions, which ranked first on the team, and four pass breakups, also a team-high. With collegiate experience already under his belt, Taylor brings an increased level of maturity to Belton, though he will only be in his sophomore year this next fall. He was originally offered by UMHB out of high school, on Feb 28, 2022.
James Tejeda
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Houston, Texas/Stratford HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Jan. 5, 2023
An offensive lineman who can play either tackle or guard, Tejeda is the first high school commit for the Cru in 2023. At 6’2, 245 lbs, he was a force on the line at Stratford, a team that went 8-3 in 2022, and reached the playoffs. Tejeda finished his prep career as a District 17-6A honoree and was offered by UMHB on Oct. 17.
Tyler Woods
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School/Prev. School: Cypress, Texas/The Village School/Hardin-Simmons
Class of: 2020 (TRANSFER)
Commitment Date: Jan. 4, 2023
Woods transfers from HSU to UMHB after spending two and a half seasons in Abilene. He entered the transfer portal midseason on Oct. 27, and has three years of eligibility remaining. While in high school, Woods was a TAPPS First-Team All-State selection, as well as an Academic All-State honoree. At 6’0, 215 lbs, he can run downhill, but can also catch passes out of the backfield, and blocks well in the pocket, making him a versatile contributor to any offense.
Jordan Oldoerp
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School/Prev. School: Hutto, Texas/Hendrickson HS/Southern Nazarene
Class of: 2021 (TRANSFER)
Commitment Date: Jan. 3, 2023
The first commitment of the new year is Oldoerp, a transfer quarterback from D-II Southern Nazarene. He helped Hendrickson to the second round of the playoffs as a senior in 2021 and set four school records while with the Hawks for passing yards in a game, passing yards in a season, completions in a game and touchdowns in a game. He steps up in the pocket and throws downfield with tremendous arm strength, but has speed as a runner as well, making him a true dual-threat signal caller. He entered the transfer portal on Dec. 26 and has three years of eligibility.
Dakarion Judge
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Orange, Texas/West Orange-Stark HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Dec. 29, 2022
Even with All-American WR/KR/PR K.J. Miller having finished his college career, UMHB will still have West Orange-Stark HS represented on its roster, with Judge’s presence. A fleet-footed receiver who can also have a tremendous impact in the return game, he reads the opposing defensive backs well as he turns upfield. At West Orange-Stark, he was often put in motion as the ball was snapped, catching swing passes in the flat, which allowed him to showcase his speed and get into the open field. His 40-yard dash has been timed at 4.58 seconds. UMHB was the first program to offer Judge back on Oct. 31.
Quint Mullen
Sport: Baseball
Hometown/High School: Cedar Park, Texas/Cedar Park HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Dec. 9. 2022
UMHB head coach Mike Stawski continues to have success recruiting the Austin area, adding Mullen to the incoming class last week. The District 25-5A Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 as an infielder, Mullen helped CPHS to a 22-9-1 record last spring. He has excellent arm strength throwing across the field, and at the plate, has a solid uphill swing that often leads to extra-base hits.
Carson Riley
Sport: Baseball
Hometown/High School: Liberty Hill, Texas/Liberty Hill HS
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Nov. 11, 2022
A catcher from nearby Liberty Hill, Riley is well-polished both at the plate and behind it. He hit .405 for LHHS with an on-base percentage of .475 during the 2022 season. He is stellar at catcher, and you won’t catch many opposing baserunners trying to steal bases with him behind the plate, as his arm strength is impressive. Riley was a 25-5A Second-Team All-District selection this past spring.
Jordan Fernandez
Sport: Baseball
Hometown/High School: Castroville, Texas/Cornerstone Baseball
Class of: 2023
Commitment Date: Nov. 11, 2022
An outfielder and right-handed pitcher, Fernandez has great athleticism, which is seen in his ability to make on play on pretty much any flyball hit in his direction. He runs a 7.13 in the 60-yard dash. On the mound, according to a report from Perfect Game, Fernandez has “Simple mechanics with control and found the zone plenty.” Also impressive is the fact that in the span of two years from 2019-2021, Fernandez saw a jump of 10 miles per hour in the speed of his fastball, a good sign of progression.
Dallas Payne
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Houston, Texas/ Stratford High School
Commitment Date: Nov. 15, 2022
Payne is an exceptional running back and slot back, who has the potential to grow into an all-conference-type player after arrival in Belton. With speed and good vision, Payne rushed for 1,052 yards on 133 carries this past season, with five 100-plus yard performances. In the receiving game, Payne had 11 receptions for 145 yards. He had 12 rushing touchdowns, and two receiving touchdowns.
Cooper Staton
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Moody, Texas/Moody High School/
Commitment Date: Nov. 10, 2022
Staton is UMHB’s second known football commit in the Class of 2023. A versatile wide receiver, who is effective on both short and long routes, he was recently selected to play in the Dream All-American Bowl on Jan. 16, 2023 in Dallas, which is a high honor, considering a committee hand-selects the invitees. A 6’0, 160 lb high school senior, Staton had 27 catches for 356 yards and a touchdown this past fall.
Caiden LaSala
Hometown/High School: New Braunfels, Texas/Canyon HS
Commitment Date: Oct. 11, 2022
LaSala, a defensive specialist/libero for Canyon and Ignite Volleyball Club, is the third addition that we have recorded to UMHB volleyball’s 2023 recruiting class. Playing for a strong high school team that is currently 9-0 in district play, LaSala has played in 97 sets, averaging 2.2 digs per set, along with 33 assists. She has played in no shortage of high-level matches, including the 2021 UIL 5A State Tournament, as Canyon posted a 43-8 record.
Rylan Unnasch
Sport: Baseball
Hometown/High School:Austin, Texas/Anderson HS
Commitment Date: Aug. 29, 2022
A right-hander who pitches and plays the middle infield, Unnasch is a quality addition to the incoming class. He is polished defensively at both the shortstop and second base positions, able to get to virtually every ground ball hit his way, and make the throw to first base in plenty of time. A First Team All-District selection as a junior, he hit .464 in 100 plate appearances, with 29 RBIs and an on-base percentage of .600, as Anderson won its district.
Brennan Wuerch
Sport: Baseball
Hometown/High School: Cedar Park, Texas/Regents School of Austin
Commitment Date: Oct. 1, 2022
Wuerch, who primarily plays centerfield for Regents, is an exceptional addition to the Class of 2023 for head coach Mike Stawski’s program. He has speed, running a 6.75 60-yard dash, and consistency at the plate, having hit .680 this spring. His on-base percentage was .723, and Wuerch was successful on 89 percent of his stolen base attempts. He is the kind of player who sprints out of the batter’s box after making contact, and will do anything to make the catch in center field, which should make him a good fit in a program that seems to share a similar approach, especially to baserunning.
Hannah Ayala
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Hometown/High School: El Paso, Texas/Immanuel Christian School
Commitment Date: Aug. 21, 2022
A 6’0 power forward/shooting forward, Ayala is a strong player on both ends of the floor. Her height has allowed her to be a force in the paint, but on multiple occasions, she has connected on shots from three-point range as well. Defensively, she guards the rim, and once tallied four blocks in a game against Newman International Academy as a junior in 2021-22. Last season, Ayala was named to the TCAF All-State First Team, after averaging 16.5 points, and 14.6 rebounds per game.
Grant Moffatt
Sport: Football
Hometown/High School: Burleson, Texas/Burleson Centennial HS
Commitment Date: Sept. 20, 2022
Moffatt, a Class of 2023 offensive line commit, stands at 6’5, 250 lbs, primarily playing offensive tackle. He has size, but also an excellent first step off of the line, and has played a key role in the success of Centennial’s rushing attack this season. The Spartans are 4-0, with a 2-0 district record at the time of Moffatt’s commitment.
Lexi Clements
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Hometown/High School: Austin, Texas/Lake Travis High School
Commitment Date: July 28, 2022
Clements is a top-notch sharpshooter in the Class of the 2023, and is versatile, able to play both point guard and shooting guard. The 5’8 standout has been starting games for Lake Travis since her sophomore year, but was sidelined by an ACL tear for 10 months until January of her junior year. On both ends of the floor, Clements has great vision, able to make the necessary pass to a teammate for an easy layup, or intercept an opponent’s pass and turn it into points in transition. Clements attended UMHB’s Nike Skills Camp on June 29.
Keagyn Ure
Sport: Softball
Hometown/High School: Keller, Texas/Timber Creek High School
Commitment Date: Aug. 9, 2021
Ure’s commitment to UMHB was only made known to True To The Cru on June 6 of this year, when the program announced Ure as an incoming freshman for the 2023 season. But she committed before her senior year began, and while committed to the Cru, hit .261 in 36 games for Timber Creek. She recorded 15 RBIs and had 30 hits, while posting a near-perfect .938 fielding percentage as a catcher and outfielder. Ure has power behind her swing, and is part of a very solid recruiting class for head coach Melissa Mojica, who will enter her third season in that position in 2023. Following her senior year, Ure was awarded the Melody Fuentes Unsung Hero Award from the Timber Creek softball program, embodying “the whole spirit of a kid who works hard no matter the circumstances.”
Saylor Upshaw—DECOMMITTED
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Hometown/High School: San Marcos, Texas/San Marcos High School
Commitment Date: May 4, 2022
Ranked as one of the state’s top wing forwards in the Class of 2023, Upshaw plays incredibly well around the rim, as a top-notch rebounder and consistent scorer in the paint. According to NCSA, she averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game during her junior season and shot 60 percent from the field. Upshaw has great footwork with the ball in her possession, able to beat the help-side defense for a layup off the glass, and she also has an almost-natural rebounding ability on both ends of the floor.
Elizabeth Elder
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Hometown/High School: San Juan Capistrano, California/Crean High School
Commitment Date: Dec. 21, 2021
A day after getting a non-conference win over Schreiner, the Cru picked up a win in the recruiting game, securing a commitment from Elizabeth Elder, in the Class of 2023. Elder is the first known commit for UMHB in the Class of 2023, as she is in her junior year at Crean High School. A 5’9 guard who shoots it well from the outside, Elder possesses incredible defensive skills, including an ability to stay in front of the ball handler in transition with excellent footwork. Last season at San Juan Hills High School, she averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game. Elder also played for the Cal Storm 17U National Team in the summer on the AAU circuit.
Brookeyln Guerrero
Sport: Softball
Hometown/High School: China Spring, Texas/China Spring High School
Commitment Date: Dec. 18, 2021
Guerrero, an All-District selection in 2021, is the first known Class of 2023 commit for head coach Melissa Mojica’s program. Last spring, as a sophomore, she hit .390 in 27 games, with 33 RBI and two home runs, with 14 of her 32 hits going for extra bases. The infielder/catcher will join her club teammates Hannah McCallister and Bralyn Belk, both Class of 2022 commits, in Belton, and in October, she was ranked as one of top Class of 2023 utility players in the state of Texas by Lonestar Preps. Guerrero made her visit to UMHB on Sept. 21 of this year.
I have also committed to play football
Twitter: MasonStewart010